It doesn’t sound accurate to me to have it been said here that Rui’s feet are only fast enough to defend PFs. Ham had him on Brunson and he did a surprisingly not too bad a job on some of those 1 on 1s. He catches up quick laterally when behind a step and clearly there’s room for improvement with his athleticism going forward. Better him chasing SFs with his youth and energy than LeBron. He looks to be just a great pick up.
Really good game from him. I think the difference in this game and the Nets game shows what he is currently: he's a great fit next to star(s) and not a substitute for them when they're out. I know he just put up 30+ before we got him, so that is in there somewhere but he seems more comfortable getting 15-20 in the flow of things. I like that he's always available for the full court pass. Free buckets and we have the QBs to make the pass. AD got ahead of himself on two of them, otherwise Rui should have a couple more buckets. What I've noticed is the problem with the 3 ball is his feet and his stance. It can be erratic; when the form is right, the shot looks a lot better. Saw someone on Twitter point out three different attempts in a Wiz game and his stance is different in each. Let's get Handy on that. Also, let's get him working on hand eye coordination and finger tip exercises, he has been bobbling the ball more than I expected. Defensively his length really helps him out. He has the wingspan and recovery speed to help and get back or get back into the play if he gets beat. It's just a matter of awareness and staying alert. Had some good plays against Randle and then his block was big time.
He’s not that laterally quick LT, he’s a big dude, I wouldn’t expect him to be. That doesn’t mean he can’t EVER guard quicker threes, just that it won’t be his specialty and he will likely struggle, he even had a nice possession guarding Brunson tonight. He’s better on ball than off as well, it’s an awareness thing and and effort thing. Anyway, here’s his highlights from tonight, it’s great to have a player with his skillset
He can hold his own on the switch, and doesn't get overpowered in the paint, like Kuz did. Besides Kawhi, Im not sure who these great SF are out West, that we are supposed to fear so much.
Loved his game tonight. And he played very well with the starters. It's just so refreshing to have a guy on D that the opponent can't just shoot over the top of like those 3 and 4 PG lineups Ham seemed to love. Rui is tall but also has that long reach on D. And killer scoring tonight. He made 7 of his first ten shots. My new favorite Laker. Can't wait to see him play with Reaves.
and marcus morris has killed us several times over the years, too. we've lost games because the other team's third guy was a large perimeter scorer and we simply had nobody left to guard them. we do now, which is nice. i stand by my comments that his lateral quickness on the perimeter (and general lack of awareness, as weezy said) are problematic, though. but like i said before, there are ways to work with that, and his wingspan is part of working with that. but rui's real value is on offense. his midrange pull up attacking closeouts is great, and the only other players who can do that on the team are reaves and walker, imo. and i don't think teams will be comfortable leaving him wide open out there--or they shouldn't be. he'll make them pay, imo, and that will open up the offense for the other guys.
LMAO .... How does Thibbs put up with Randle on D. Hasn't leaned a thing in HS, College or the pros with the hands not up thing. Watching him last night, exact same stuff. Gets in his crouch, stares intently at his man and his arms are glued to his side no air between to be seen .... in the down position. Those may be alligator arms but they must be insanely heavy, like the weight of lead.
I noticed that as well in a couple sequences last night. It’s a huge thing for sure - having the confidence to shoot alongside these guys. If we could add one more guy like that who’s a serious three point threat we would have one helluva starting lineup. Also it’s nice that Rui is young and in great shape - led the team with 40 minutes played out there.
I think his on ball defense will only get better over time. Heck, I’ve seen improvement in that area from his first game for us until last night in NY. Just a great pickup.
Yep … me too! Actually above I was probably wrong about Ham “having” him on Brunson because I saw it 4 or 5 times in not too long a period. Maybe Jalen was trying to hunt him with picks and such, but he still did not that bad at all considering how big he is and how good Jalen is with his speed and handles.
I ordered a jersey after 5 years he probably will not be resigned now, like Dwight, DRuss and Lonzo who were off the team after I bought their jerseys
